Supplement Scholar
Immune / Pulmonary

Aviptadil (VIP)

Research compound. This is not a dietary supplement. Unless it is identified as an approved prescription drug, it is not approved by the FDA for human use. This page summarizes published research for education only; we do not sell it or link to sellers.

Aviptadil (VIP). Synthetic form of vasoactive intestinal peptide, a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide that relaxes smooth muscle and calms inflammation.

How it works. Activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, raising cAMP. That relaxes blood-vessel and airway muscle and lowers inflammatory cytokine release.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Erectile dysfunction (injected with phentolamine) (moderate).

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Marked drop in blood pressure.

Common forms. Available as IV infusion (trials), Inhaled (trials), Intracavernosal injection with phentolamine (some countries).

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Aviptadil (VIP). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Aviptadil (VIP). Synthetic form of vasoactive intestinal peptide, a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide that relaxes smooth muscle and calms inflammation.

28-residue chainC147H237N43O43S · 3326.8 g/mol

What it is

VIP occurs naturally in the gut, lungs and nerves. Synthetic VIP (aviptadil) was tested IV and inhaled for respiratory failure, including COVID-19, with inconclusive results. In some countries it is injected with phentolamine for erectile dysfunction.

Also called

Vasoactive intestinal peptideVIPZyesami

How it works

Activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, raising cAMP. That relaxes blood-vessel and airway muscle and lowers inflammatory cytokine release.

Pathways

  • VPAC1 / VPAC2 → cAMP
  • Vasodilation
  • Bronchodilation
  • Cytokine suppression

Effects

  • ↑Blood-vessel dilation increases
  • ↑Airway dilation increases
  • ↓Inflammatory cytokines decreases

What the research supports

Erectile dysfunction (injected with phentolamine)moderate
Respiratory failure in critical COVID-19limited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Flushing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Diarrhea

Serious

  • Marked drop in blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate

Medication interactions

Blood-pressure-lowering drugsmoderate

Additive drop in blood pressure.

PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil)moderate

Additive vasodilation.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Common forms

  • IV infusion (trials)
  • Inhaled (trials)
  • Intracavernosal injection with phentolamine (some countries)

Discussion

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